System and method for enhancing intimate relationships

ABSTRACT

A system and method to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time. The system may include communication elements and associated physical elements. A communication element may suggest an activity for participation by intimate relationship partners. The communication element may be delivered by the first partner to the second partner, and may be associated with a physical element to be used in conjunction with the activity. Another communication element and associated physical element may be presented to the second partner following the activity, such that a second activity may follow the first activity. In this manner, the present invention facilitates fun and romantic encounters over a period of time to cultivate strong, committed relationships.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to systems and methods for enhancing personal relationships. Specifically, the invention relates to systems and methods for encouraging fun, anticipation and intimacy in a romantic relationship.

2. Description of the Related Art

Despite the predominant role marriage plays in modern society, divorce has emerged as a social phenomenon, where more than one in two marriages now end in divorce in the United States and other developed countries. Divorce exacts a high toll. In addition to the adverse emotional, physical, psychological and financial effects typically experienced by the divorcing parties and their children, there are significant societal costs to divorce. Significantly, a large percentage of societal ills are over-represented by children of divorce. Children of divorced parents account for a majority of the population of juvenile delinquents, adult prisoners, school dropouts, unwed mothers, and unemployed.

Efforts of many sociologists, religious leaders and advocacy groups have focused on various techniques to improve understanding and appreciation in marriage and thus avoid the deleterious consequences of divorce. Despite these efforts, however, divorce rates have remained fairly constant since the early 1970's. Typical reasons given for divorce include money, infidelity, inadequate communication, change of priorities, lack of commitment, and sexual problems. Recent theories suggest that in addition to these supposed causes of divorce, a cause of failed marriage that often precedes and persists through the others is a lack of enrichment in marriage.

Marital enrichment broadly refers to those activities and practices in marriage that make it special and fulfilling, without which it becomes difficult or even dull. Enriching activities provide sparks of romance and fun that cultivate long-lasting happiness and commitment in marriage. Indeed, the benefits of marital enrichment include greater positivity, better handling of conflict, and a lower chance of divorce. Marital enrichment activities not only enhance the marital relationship, but improve family life and build community by preserving marriage for the benefit of all.

The lack of enriching activities in marriage is evidenced by the large sums of money spent on adult entertainment. The adult entertainment industry brought in tens of billions of dollars in the year 2004 alone. Romance novels also tend to serve as an outlet for those lacking enrichment in their own marriage. The majority of romance novel readers are married. The cost of an average date often exceeds a hundred dollars ($100.00). Statistics show that individuals will continue to spend on those goods and services that they believe might give them an edge in the pursuit of love.

Marital enrichment classes and programs exist and often evidence high internal success rates in improving the quality and longevity of marriage. Such classes and programs, however, often require a significant time commitment and may be cost-prohibitive for couples at large. Moreover, many individuals regard marital enrichment classes and programs as a public acknowledgement of personal failure, and thus only consider participation in such classes and programs as a last resort. As a result, techniques taught in traditional marital enrichment classes and programs may be learned and implemented too late to generate any lasting improvement in marriage.

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an affordable marital enrichment system that provides enriching activities to be implemented at user-selected times and places. Beneficially, such a system would provide enriching activities reflecting a theme to facilitate fun and romance, and would further provide items associated with the activities and the theme to encourage participation therein. Such a system and method are disclosed and claimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been met for enhancing intimate relationships. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a system and method for enhancing intimate relationships that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

A system for enhancing an intimate relationship over a period of time in accordance with the present invention may include a first communication element, a first physical element, a second communication element, and a second physical element.

The first communication element may suggest a first activity for participation by first and second partners to enhance an intimate relationship therebetween. The first communication element may be delivered by the first partner to the second partner, and may be associated with a first physical element to be used in conjunction with the first activity. In one embodiment, the first communication element includes a card having a message composed in prose or verse.

The second communication element may be delivered by the first partner to the second partner after the first activity. The second communication element may suggest a second activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance the intimate relationship, and may be associated with a second physical element to be used in conjunction with the second activity. As in the first communication element, the second communication element may include a card having a message composed in prose or verse.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second communication elements may reflect a theme including, for example, a seasonal theme, a sports theme, an event theme, a holiday theme, an adventure theme, an interests theme or a vacation theme. In other embodiments, the first and second physical elements may also reflect the theme.

In certain embodiments, the system to an enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time may include an instructional element to instruct the first partner regarding delivery of the first and second communication elements to the second partner, and/or to instruct the first partner regarding use of the first and second physical elements in conjunction with the first and second activities. The system may also include a first inner packaging element to retain the first physical element, and a second inner packaging element to retain the second physical element. Finally, the system may include an outer packaging element to retain the first and second communication elements, the first and second physical elements, and, in some cases, the instructional element and the first and second inner packaging elements.

In alternative embodiments, a themed system may be presented to promote intimacy in a relationship during a particular season. The themed system may include a first invitation inviting a second partner to participate with a first partner in a first activity to promote intimacy between the first and second partners, where the first invitation and the first activity reflect a seasonal theme. The themed system may further include a second invitation inviting the second partner to participate with the first partner in a second activity. The second activity may promote intimacy between the first and second partners after the first activity. The second invitation and the second activity may also reflect the seasonal theme.

A method of the present invention is also presented for enhancing an intimate relationship over a period of time. The method may include communicating, by a first partner to a second partner, a first activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance an intimate relationship therebetween, and presenting the second partner with a first physical element to be used in conjunction with the first activity. The first partner may then participate with the second partner in the first activity. The method may further include communicating to the second partner a second activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance the intimate relationship, where the second activity follows the first activity. The method may include presenting the second partner with a second physical element to be used in conjunction with the second activity and participating in the second activity with the second partner.

In some embodiments, communicating the first activity to the second partner includes delivering a first communication element to the second partner. The communication element may reflect a theme, such as a seasonal theme, a sports theme, an event theme, a holiday theme, an adventure, theme, an interests theme or a vacation theme. Likewise, communicating the second activity to the second partner may include delivering a second communication element to the second partner after the first activity. The second communication element may also reflect a theme.

In certain embodiments, the method may further include referencing, by the first partner, an instructional element regarding communicating the first activity to the second partner, communicating the second activity to the second partner, or regarding use of the first and second physical elements in conjunction with the first and second activities.

In one embodiment, participating in the first activity includes performing the first activity on a first day, and participating in the second activity includes performing the second activity on a consecutive day. In another embodiment, participating in the first activity includes performing the first activity on a first day, and participating in the second activity includes performing the second activity on a subsequent, non-consecutive day.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an outside perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is an inside perspective view of a system having physical elements retained by inner packaging elements in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an introductory communication element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an instructional element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is one embodiment of a communication element and a physical element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is another exemplary embodiment of a communication element and a physical element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is another exemplary embodiment of a communication element and a physical element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is another exemplary embodiment of a communication element and a physical element in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention, as presented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “a select embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “a select embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the invention as claimed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 100 to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time in accordance with the present invention may comprise communication elements associated with physical elements 104. The communication elements 102 may be delivered by one intimate partner to the other to suggest activities to enhance their romantic relationship. Communication elements 102 may comprise any audible or visual medium known to those in the art that may be used to convey such a message. In some embodiments, for example, communication elements 102 may comprise a card, a note, a letter, an audiocassette, a compact disc, a videocassette, a digital video disc, a text message, a video message, or the like. In one embodiment, a communication element 102 comprises a card having a message written in prose or verse. A communication element 102 may further reflect a theme to promote fun and anticipation, as discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 below.

Communication elements 102 may be associated with physical elements 104 to be used in conjunction with the suggested activities. A physical element 104 may comprise any product or item known to those in the art to enhance intimacy and romance between the intimate partners during the suggested activity. In some embodiments, for example, the physical element 104 may comprise lotion, soap, lingerie, music, or the like. In other embodiments, the physical element 104 may bear an indirect relationship to the suggested activity. For example, the physical element 104 may enhance intimacy and romance between intimate partners by emphasizing a fun or humorous aspect of the suggested activity. In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 9, the physical element 104 comprises a miniature bale of hay to play on the suggested activity of a “romp in the hay.”

While the communication elements 102 may be substantially similar in nature, they may be implemented sequentially over the period of time allotted for use of the system 100. Thus, where a communication element 102 suggests a first activity for participation by the intimate partners, delivery of another communication element 102 to an intimate partner may be delayed until the first activity has been completed. In some embodiments, delivery of communication elements 102 may occur on sequential days of the week. In other embodiments, delivery of communication elements 102 may be substantially random during a particular week or month, provided that a second communication element 102 follows completion of a first activity. In this manner, the present invention may enhance an intimate relationship by providing multiple activities to span a particular period of time.

In certain embodiments, the system 100 may further include an introductory communication element 106, an instructional element 108, and a packaging element 110. The introductory communication element 106 may be adapted for delivery by one intimate partner to another to alert the partner that further communication elements 102 will follow. In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the introductory communication element 106 may also introduce to the partner a theme of the system 100.

The instructional element 108 may instruct one intimate partner regarding delivery of the communication elements 102 and/or use of the physical elements 104 in conjunction with the first and second activities. In some embodiments, the instructional element 108 may further include ideas for additional physical elements or props that may be used in conjunction with the activities.

The packaging element 110 may comprise an outer packaging element 112 to retain the communication elements 102 and the physical elements 104. The packaging element 110 may further include inner packaging elements 114 to retain each of the physical elements 104. Both outer and inner packaging elements 112, 114 may incorporate decorative elements to convey a theme, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an outer packaging element 112 in accordance with the present invention may comprise a box, a sack, an envelope, a canister, or any other suitable packaging device known to those in the art. Further, the outer packaging element 112 may incorporate decorative features 200 to enhance the appeal and marketability of the system 100. Decorative features 200 may include shape, size, texture, color, characters, motifs, fonts, stylization, labels, and any other features known to those in the art depicted by the outer packaging element 112.

In certain embodiments, decorative features 200 may convey a theme such as a seasonal theme, a sports theme, an event theme, a holiday theme, an adventure theme, an interests theme, a vacation theme, or the like. In one embodiment, for example, the outer packaging element 112 comprises a yellow diamond-shaped box having a deer motif reminiscent of a deer-crossing road sign. The system 100 is entitled “Merry Christmas Deer,” with the theme and motifs being repeated throughout system 100 components.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the outer packaging element 112 may retain internal system 100 components such as communication elements 102, physical elements 104, and, in some cases, an introductory communication element 106 and/or an instructional element 108. In certain embodiments, inner packaging elements 114 may also be provided. An inner packaging element 114 may comprise a bag, a sack, a box, an envelope, a folder, or any other suitable packaging element known to those in the art. The inner packaging element 114 may further comprise a fastening device 300, such as a tie, a snap, a button, a seal, an adhesive, a détente, or the like.

In one embodiment, one inner packaging element 114 a retains one physical element 104 a, while other inner packaging elements 114 b, 114 c, 114 d retain other physical element 104 b, 104 c, 104 d. In addition to providing functionality in separating and protecting individual physical elements 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, 104 d, inner packaging elements 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d may incorporate decorative features 200 to promote system 100 cohesiveness and/or to convey a particular theme.

In the example provided above with reference to FIG. 2, inner packaging elements 114 may include decorative features 200 relating to the “Merry Christmas Deer” theme. Such decorative features 200 may include, for example, deer characters, deer motifs, hoofprints, Santa's reindeer names, and the like. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that this example is simply one embodiment of the present invention and that any theme and decorative features 200 relating to such theme may be incorporated and demonstrated by either or both of the outer 112 and inner packaging elements 114.

Other system 100 components, such as communication elements 102, an introductory communication element 106 and an instructional element 108 may also be retained by inner packaging elements 114. In some embodiments, a single inner packaging element 114 may retain more than one system 100 component. For example, in one embodiment, a communication element 102 and its corresponding physical element 104 may be collectively retained by a single inner packaging element 114.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a system 100 in accordance with the present invention may include an introductory communication element 106 for delivery by a first intimate partner to a second intimate partner. The introductory communication element 106 may comprise an audible or visual message to introduce the system 100 to the second intimate partner. In some embodiments, the introductory communication element 106 may also communicate a particular theme to the second intimate partner.

In one embodiment, for example, the introductory communication element 106 comprises a card having a message written in verse. Keeping with the “Merry Christmas Deer” theme example presented above with reference to FIG. 2, the introductory communication element 106 may recite, for example:

-   -   “Dear ______,     -   The elves have reported you've been a good boy     -   By being my man through the year,     -   So Santa decided you'd get what YOU want     -   And delivery will be by his Deer!”

In this embodiment, the theme of the system 100 may be further communicated to the second intimate partner by including decorative elements 200 indicative of the theme. Decorative elements 200 may comprise, for example, a yellow diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a deer silhouette. In other embodiments, message text and decorative elements 200 may vary to communicate alternative system 100 themes.

Referring now to FIG. 5, certain embodiments of the present invention may include an instructional element 108 providing instructions to the first intimate partner regarding delivery of the introductory communication element 106 and the communication elements 102 to the second intimate partner, and/or use of the physical elements 104 in conjunction with the suggested activities. The instructional element 108 may comprise any audible or visual medium adapted to communicate system 100 instructions, such as a booklet, a pamphlet, a note, an audiocassette, a videocassette, a compact disc, a digital video disc, a text message, a digital message, a computer-readable medium, or any other communication medium known to those in the art. In certain embodiments, the instructional element 108 may further communicate additional or alternative activities or physical elements 104 that may be used in conjunction with the activities.

In one embodiment, for example, the instructional element 108 comprises a “Christmas Deer Direction Manual.” The manual explains: “There are nine (9) deer to present to your man during the Christmas season. You can present a deer a night to your man, on consecutive nights, or you can spread them out during the entire month of December. Below we have given you helpful hints on just how to present each deer with several suggestions on each one which will help you in their presentation. Have fun making romantic memories.”

The manual or other instructional element 108 may include sections, organized by activity, that present applicable ideas, hints, and alternative or additional activities for participation by the intimate partners. One section of the manual presented above, for example, may be entitled “Dawn-Her.” The section may include decorative elements 200 substantially matching the decorative elements 200 incorporated into the corresponding communication element 102 and physical element 104, such as yellow diamond shape, a female deer silhouette, and a hoofprint border. The section may instruct the first intimate partner regarding presentation of the communication element 102 and use of the physical element 104 in conjunction with the activity as follows:

-   -   “Present the Dawn-Her card to your man as you serve him         breakfast in bed wearing only your Dawn-Her apron. HINTS: You         could lightly joke by asking your man if he has had his venison         for the day, or suggest that he go ahead and Get-Dawn-Her!”

Another section of the manual may be entitled “Blitzen.” This section may also include decorative elements 200 substantially matching the decorative elements 200 incorporated into the corresponding communication element 102 and physical element 104, such as yellow diamond shape, a female deer silhouette, and a hoofprint border. This section may instruct the first intimate partner regarding presentation of the communication element 102 and use of the physical element 104 in conjunction with the activity as follows:

-   -   “Present the Blitzen card to your man wearing only your Blitzen         jersey. This could be done in the morning to increase the         anticipation level for game NIGHT!”

FIGS. 6-9 provide examples of communication elements 102 and corresponding physical elements 104 that may be included in a system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. While each of the communication elements 102 and physical elements 104 depicted in FIGS. 6-9 convey the “Merry Christmas Deer” theme presented above with reference to FIG. 2, these embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and are not to be construed as limiting in any way. Indeed, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are countless themes that may be implemented in accordance with the present invention, limited only by one's creativity and imagination. Alternate seasonal themes may include, for example, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Carols, Santa's Elves, Naughty or Nice, Romancing Resolutions, Countdown to the New Year, Memories to Make, Cupid's Quiver, Queen of Hearts, Love is Spoken Here, You're My Valentino, Chinese New Year, Groundhog Day, Kiss Me I'm Irish, Some Guys Have All the Luck, You Don't Have to Be Irish to Get Lucky This Week, Easter Bunny, Spring Break, You're Eggzactly What I Want, Easter Egg Hunt, Somebunny Loves You, May All Your Dreams Come True, May I . . . , Maybe?, Father's Day, You've Got the Right Tools, Picnic After Dark, Stars and Stripes Forever, You're My Favorite Patriot, A Week of Fireworks, Hooray for the Red, White and You, Hot Days of Summer, Heatwave, It's Hot in Here, Labor Day, Loving You is No Labor, Back to School/You're the Apple of My Eye, Masquerade, Trick or Treat, Scary Things That Go Bump in the Night, You Make Me Scream, Say Thanks in the Giving, Tom Turkey, I Don't Need the Turkey I've Got You, and the like.

Non-seasonal themes may also be implemented in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. For example, adventure themes may include Mission Impossible, Kidnapped, Cowboys and Indians, I Know Why Mona Lisa Smiles, and the like. Sports themes may include the Superbowl, Heisman Trophy, March Madness, World Series, U.S. Open, Olympics, Tour De France, Master's Cup, World Series, and the like. Interests themes may include Home Improvement, Occupations, Cars, Hunting, Fishing, Computer Geeks, and the like. Vacation themes may include, for example, Cruise Ship Weekend, the Loveboat, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise a yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a first cartoon-like character of a female deer. Inscribed on the card is the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Flasher, I'll be your Deer tonite,     -   Flasher delivers your first Christmas gift,     -   She's Dasher's naughty twin.     -   Excuse her please, she dashes around     -   In nothing more than her skin.”         Associated with the communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a “Deer X-ing—Do Not Disturb!” sign. To         keep with the theme, the physical element 104 may comprise a         yellow diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and deer         silhouettes.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a second cartoon-like character of a female deer. Inscribed on this card is the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Dance-Her, I'll be your Deer tonite,     -   This deer likes to see her Santa boogie,     -   Just like he does at the Pole,     -   So, dance her round the room tonite . . .     -   She provides the rock,     -   YOU provide the roll!”         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a yellow compact disc cover having a         hoofprint border and the second cartoon-like character of a         female deer. Inscribed on the compact disc cover is “Rock-N-Roll         with Dance Her!”

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a third cartoon-like character of a female deer. This card contains the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Prance-Her, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   This deer likes to look good for her buck,     -   So, prance her around the town,     -   After fine dining with this little doe,     -   Mint kisses won't let you down!”         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a box of mints. The box of mints displays         a yellow label with a hoofprint border and the third         cartoon-like character of a female deer, having inscribed         “Prancer's French Kisses!”

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a fourth cartoon-like character of a female deer. This card contains the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Vixen, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   That Vixen is a frisky one,     -   She's sure to make you scream!     -   Stay alert and ready yourself,     -   She'll fulfill your wildest dream!         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a miniature bale of hay. The bale of hay         displays a yellow label with a hoofprint border and the fourth         cartoon-like character of a female deer, having inscribed         “Scatter everywhere for a WILD romp in the HAY!”

Other embodiments of communication elements 102 and their associated physical elements 104 may include, for example, another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a fifth cartoon-like character of a female deer. This card contains the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Comet, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   Comet likes to keep it clean,     -   Before the frolicking hour,     -   So grab this gift, hurry up     -   And meet her in the shower!         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a bottle of liquid soap. The bottle of         soap may include a yellow label with a hoofprint border and the         fifth cartoon-like character of a female deer, having inscribed         “Keep it Clean with Comet!”

Another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a sixth cartoon-like character of a female deer. This card contains the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Cupid, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   Cupid is always searching for love,     -   She shoots her arrow with care.     -   But oops, then one got away     -   And she shot her own underwear.”         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising an arrow and underwear. The underwear may         include the sixth cartoon-like character of a female deer.

Another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border, a seventh cartoon-like character of a female deer, and the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Dawn-Her, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   I hope you got a good night's sleep,     -   And now you're ready to rise.     -   Eat up, you'll need your strength     -   For this morning's exercise.”         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a silky apron to be worn as lingerie. The         apron may include the seventh cartoon-like character of a female         deer.

Another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border, an eighth cartoon-like character of a female deer, and the following message:

-   -   “Hi, my name is Blitzen, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   Blitzen loves a good ball game     -   Her play: an all-out attack.     -   Here she comes, the blitz is on,     -   She's ready for the sack!         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a football jersey to be worn as lingerie.         The jersey may include the eighth cartoon-like character of a         female deer. Alternatively, the jersey may have “4U”         silkscreened onto the front, and “Blitzen” on the back.

Another embodiment of a communication element 102 in accordance with the present invention may comprise another yellow, diamond-shaped card having a hoofprint border and a ninth cartoon-like character of a female deer. A message inscribed on the card may read:

-   -   “Hi, my name is RuDOEph, I'll be your Deer tonite!     -   Now you've known Flasher and Dance-Her and Prance-Her and Vixen,     -   Comet and Cupid and Dawn-Her and Blitzen,     -   But do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?     -   With RuDOEph your red-lipped reindeer,     -   This Christmas will go down in history!     -   So meet your “dear” for one last romp     -   Beneath the Christmas tree!”         Associated with this communication element 102 may be a physical         element 104 comprising a reindeer-antler headband and a flashing         red nose to be worn by the first intimate partner.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a method 1000 to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time may include communicating 1002, by a first partner to a second partner, a first activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance an intimate relationship therebetween. The activity may include, for example, dining out, dancing, dressing up, playing sports, cooking, or any other activity known to those in the art to enhance intimacy in a romantic relationship.

In some embodiments, communicating 1002 the first activity to the second partner may comprise delivering 1004 a communication element to the second partner. The communication element may comprise any audible or visual medium configured to invite the second partner to participate in the first activity. The communication element may reflect a theme to promote romance and fun in the relationship. For example, in some embodiments, the theme may include a seasonal theme, a sports theme, an event theme, a holiday theme, an adventure theme, an interests theme, a vacation theme, or the like.

A method 1000 in accordance with the present invention may further include presenting 1006 the second partner with a physical element to be used in conjunction with the first activity. The physical element may include lotion, soap, lingerie, music, or any other product or item known to those in the art to encourage participation in and enjoyment of the first activity. In some embodiments, the physical element may also reflect a theme. The first partner may then participate 1008 with the second partner in the first activity.

The method 1000 may further include communicating 1010, by the first partner to the second partner, a second activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance the intimate relationship. Communicating 1010 the second activity to the second partner may comprise delivering 1012 a communication element to the second partner. Like the previous communication element, the communication element communicating the second activity may comprise any audible or visual medium adapted to invite the second partner to participate in the second activity. The communication element may also reflect the theme of the previous communication element to lend cohesiveness to the present method 1000.

The method 1000 may further include presenting 1016 to the second partner a physical element to be used in conjunction with the second activity. The physical element may include any item known to those in the art to encourage participation in and enjoyment of the second activity. In some embodiments, the physical element may also reflect a theme. The first partner may then participate 1016 with the second partner in the second activity.

In certain embodiments, the method 1000 further includes referencing, by the first partner, an instructional element that includes ideas and tips regarding communicating 1002, 1010 the first and second activities to the second partner and/or presenting 1006, 1014 the second partner with associated physical elements for use in conjunction with the activities. Further, participating 1008, 1016 in the activities may include performing the first activity on a first day and performing the second activity on a consecutive day. In other embodiments, participating 1008, 1016 in the activities may include performing the first activity on a first day and performing the second activity on a subsequent, non-consecutive day.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A system to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time, the system comprising: a first communication element for delivery by a first partner to a second partner and suggesting a first activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance an intimate relationship therebetween; a first physical element associated with the first communication element and to be used in conjunction with the first activity; a second communication element for delivery by the first partner to the second partner after the first activity, the second communication element suggesting a second activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance the intimate relationship; and a second physical element associated with the second communication element and to be used in conjunction with the second activity.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second communication elements comprises a card having a message composed in one of prose and verse.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second communication elements reflects a theme.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the theme is selected from the group consisting of a seasonal theme, a sports theme, an event theme, a holiday theme, an adventure theme, an interests theme, and a vacation theme.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second physical elements reflects the theme.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an instructional element to instruct the first partner regarding at least one of delivery of the first and second communication elements to the second partner and use of the first and second physical elements in conjunction with the first and second activities.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first inner packaging element to retain the first physical element and a second inner packaging element to retain the second physical element.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an outer packaging element to retain the first and second communication elements and the first and second physical elements.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the outer packaging element further retains an instructional element to instruct the first partner regarding at least one of delivery of the first and second communication elements to the second partner and use of the first and second physical elements in conjunction with the first and second activities.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the outer packaging element further retains a first inner packaging element containing the first physical element and a second inner packaging element containing the second physical element.
 11. A method to enhance an intimate relationship over a period of time, the method comprising: communicating, by a first partner to a second partner, a first activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance an intimate relationship therebetween; presenting the second partner with a first physical element to be used in conjunction with the first activity; participating in the first activity with the second partner; communicating to the second partner a second activity for participation by the first and second partners to enhance the intimate relationship, the second activity to follow the first activity; presenting the second partner with a second physical element to be used in conjunction with the second activity; and participating in the second activity with the second partner.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein communicating to the second partner the first activity comprises delivering a first communication element to the second partner.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first communication element reflects a theme.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the theme is selected from the group consisting of a seasonal theme, a sports theme, an event theme, a holiday theme, an adventure theme, an interests theme, and a vacation theme.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein communicating to the second partner a second activity comprises delivering a second communication element to the second partner.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second communication element reflects a theme.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising referencing, by the first partner, an instructional element regarding at least one of communicating the first activity to the second partner, communicating the second activity to the second partner, and use of the first and second physical elements in conjunction with the first and second activities.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein participating in the first activity comprises performing the first activity on a first day, and wherein participating in the second activity comprises performing the second activity on a consecutive day.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein participating in the first activity comprises performing the first activity on a first day, and wherein participating in the second activity comprises performing the second activity on a subsequent, non-consecutive day.
 20. A themed system to promote intimacy in a relationship during a particular season, the system comprising: a first invitation inviting a second partner to participate with a first partner in a first activity to promote intimacy between the first and second partners, wherein the first invitation and the first activity reflect a seasonal theme; and a second invitation inviting the second partner to participate with the first partner in a second activity, the second activity to promote intimacy between the first and second partners after the first activity, wherein the second invitation and the second activity reflect the seasonal theme. 